WABA – the Washington Area Bicyclist Association – is the foremost bicycling-related organization in the Washington D.C. area – and as such, has a reach beyond just the D.C. area as well. Though they technically represent D.C. proper as well as Arlington and Fairfax counties in Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, they have a reach well beyond that thanks to the presence of a few congresspeople who spend a bunch of time in the area. What members of Congress see in DC leaves an impression – good or bad – that they take back to their own districts or states. Lately it’s been a lot of good, thanks to things like new bike lanes filled with bicyclists, a really robust Bike to Work Day every year, and the nation’s biggest bikeshare program, CaBi (short for Capitol Bikeshare). While WABA doesn’t get all the credit for these, they have been tireless in advocating for them, and without them it’s doubtful we’d have anywhere near as much good news about biking in DC.

WABA’s mission is: creating a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment; and educating children and adults about safe bicycling.

Not much to argue with there!

THIS WEEK ONLY, WABA is offering discounted membership – both individual and family rates are $10 less than usual! If you live in the area (or heck, even if you don’t) I HIGHLY encourage becoming a member of WABA. Not only will you be supporting an organization that’s been doing great things for bicyclists, you’ll also (if you live in the area) get nice stuff like shop discounts. My local shop offers me a 10% discount on parts – and I think that’s almost paid for my membership in the last year!

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